updated 01:15 pm EST, Wed January 16, 2008

Samsung i900 smartphone

An Italian publication says it has obtained information on a new, high-end smartphone by Samsung, the i900. Its centerpiece is the rare feature of a 3.5-inch touchscreen, mimicking Apple's iPhone except in the use of a smaller 240x400 resolution. The phone is well-equipped in other areas as well however, namely its HSDPA receiver, which is capable of speeds up to 7.2Mbps -- twice as fast current American networks can manage. Other wireless connections include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0.

The phone operates on Windows Mobile 6.1, and stores files on microSDHC cards sized up to 8GB. Owners can additionally shoot photos with a five-megapixel camera, output video to TVs, tune in FM radio, and run GPS functions thanks to a built-in receiver. A 1,500mAh lithium-ion battery is being used, but it is unknown how long it will last in face of increased power demands. The i900 may be formally announced at next month's 3GSM conference. [viaUnwired View]